Meaning
Getting dressed
Cultural Background
Wearing new clothes (mặc áo mới) during Tet is a symbol of leaving the old year behind and welcoming new luck. In the North, 'mặc' is the standard verb for all clothing. People are very conscious of 'mặc ấm' (wearing warmly) during the humid winters. Southerners often use 'bận' instead of 'mặc'. It sounds more casual and regional. When visiting pagodas, it is culturally required to 'mặc kín đáo' (dress modestly), covering shoulders and knees.
The 'Vào' Rule
Always add 'vào' after 'mặc áo' when you want to say 'Put it on!' as a command.
Watch the Tone
If you say 'mắc' (high rising) instead of 'mặc' (low), you are saying 'stuck' or 'expensive'!
Meaning
Getting dressed
The 'Vào' Rule
Always add 'vào' after 'mặc áo' when you want to say 'Put it on!' as a command.
Watch the Tone
If you say 'mắc' (high rising) instead of 'mặc' (low), you are saying 'stuck' or 'expensive'!
Southern Style
Use 'bận' instead of 'mặc' when in Ho Chi Minh City to sound like a local.
Modesty Matters
When in doubt, 'mặc' something that covers your shoulders; it's always safer in Vietnam.
Test Yourself
Which verb is correct for 'wearing a hat'?
Anh ấy đang ___ mũ.
In Vietnamese, 'đội' is the specific verb used for hats.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'mặc'.
Trời lạnh quá, con hãy ___ áo khoác vào.
We use 'mặc' for 'áo khoác' (jacket).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a shop and want to try a shirt.
'Mặc thử' means 'to try on'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bạn đang làm gì thế? B: Tôi đang ___ để đi tiệc.
'Mặc áo' fits the context of getting ready for a party.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Which Verb to Use?
Mặc
- • Áo (Shirt)
- • Quần (Pants)
- • Váy (Dress)
Đội
- • Mũ (Hat)
- • Nón (Traditional Hat)
Đeo
- • Kính (Glasses)
- • Đồng hồ (Watch)
- • Nhẫn (Ring)
Đi/Mang
- • Giày (Shoes)
- • Tất (Socks)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAnh ấy đang ___ mũ.
In Vietnamese, 'đội' is the specific verb used for hats.
Trời lạnh quá, con hãy ___ áo khoác vào.
We use 'mặc' for 'áo khoác' (jacket).
You are at a shop and want to try a shirt.
'Mặc thử' means 'to try on'.
A: Bạn đang làm gì thế? B: Tôi đang ___ để đi tiệc.
'Mặc áo' fits the context of getting ready for a party.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes! 'Mặc quần' is the correct and only way to say 'wear pants'.
'Mặc' is for clothes (torso/legs). 'Mang' is usually for shoes (in the South) or carrying things.
It is neutral. It's fine for both a CEO and a child.
You can say 'Tôi đang mặc đồ' or 'Tôi đang thay đồ'.
No, use 'đeo' for a watch ('đeo đồng hồ').
No, 'mặc kệ' means 'regardless' or 'don't care'. It's a different 'mặc'.
Use 'mặc thử'. For example: 'Tôi muốn mặc thử cái này'.
Yes, 'bận' is a regional variation used mostly in Southern Vietnam.
No, for perfume we use 'xịt' (spray) or 'dùng' (use).
It means 'jacket' or 'coat'. You 'mặc áo khoác'.
Use 'cởi'. 'Cởi áo' means to take off a shirt.
Vietnamese doesn't use plural markers like 's'. 'Mặc áo' can mean wear a shirt or wear shirts.
Related Phrases
Thay đồ
similarTo change clothes
Cởi áo
contrastTo take off a shirt
Mặc quần
similarTo wear pants
Diện đồ
specialized formTo dress up
Khoác áo
specialized formTo throw on a jacket
